The global hospitality industry is witnessing a major digital shift with the merger of DigitalGuest and Chicostay, two leading innovators in hotel technology. Operating under the DigitalGuest brand, the newly combined company is set to redefine how hotels manage their operations and engage with guests across every stage of their journey.
By combining resources, expertise, and technology, the merger creates a comprehensive platform that helps hotels streamline processes, improve efficiency, and deliver personalized experiences that meet the expectations of today’s digitally savvy travelers.
A Unified Platform for Hotels
The hospitality industry often struggles with fragmented systems for check-in, guest communication, payments, and services. The new DigitalGuest aims to solve this by offering a single platform that consolidates these functions.
Key features of the platform include:
- Digital check-in and check-out for faster, paperless arrivals and departures.
- Integrated payment solutions to simplify transactions.
- Housekeeping and room service management tools to enhance operational efficiency.
- Guest engagement features like personalized marketing, upselling opportunities, and two-way communication.
This unified approach enables hotels to move away from juggling multiple systems and instead focus on elevating guest satisfaction while reducing operational complexity.
Streamlining Operations and Unlocking New Revenue
The merger brings together the strengths of both companies, allowing hotels—especially independent and mid-sized operators—to harness cutting-edge digital tools without the burden of complex system integration.
Hotels can now manage daily administrative tasks more efficiently while opening up new revenue streams through upselling and personalized offers. For example, guests may be encouraged to upgrade rooms, book spa treatments, or reserve dining experiences, all within the same digital platform.
This integrated experience is designed to feel natural to guests while helping hotels generate incremental revenue and improve profitability.
Strengthening Market Presence
Founded in 2016, DigitalGuest has already established itself as a key player across the Nordics and Europe, serving over 500 hotels with its digital solutions. Chicostay, meanwhile, built a strong reputation in the U.K. and Sweden, providing hotel operators with advanced guest engagement technology.
By joining forces, the new DigitalGuest strengthens its market reach and positions itself as a leading strategic partner for hotels across Europe and beyond. The merger also reflects a growing demand for digital-first solutions in hospitality, as hotels strive to keep pace with rising guest expectations.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
The merger ushers in a new leadership era. Tony Barker, former CEO of Chicostay, will now serve as the new CEO of DigitalGuest. Barker highlighted the shared vision and cultural fit between the two companies, noting that the merger would accelerate growth and innovation while ensuring that hotels can adapt to the digital future.
Jens Rysgaard, founder and former CEO of DigitalGuest, will remain actively involved in the company. As both a hotel owner and tech entrepreneur, Rysgaard emphasized how this merger addresses one of the biggest challenges in the industry: managing complex tech stacks while delivering high-quality guest experiences.
Together, Barker and Rysgaard represent a leadership team committed to innovation, efficiency, and customer-centric solutions.
A Boost for Independent Hotels
Independent hotels often face unique challenges when it comes to adopting new technologies due to limited resources and staffing. The newly merged DigitalGuest provides these hotels with an affordable and scalable solution to manage everything from guest check-ins to personalized marketing campaigns.
For smaller operators, the platform represents a chance to compete with larger hotel chains by offering the same level of digital convenience that modern travelers expect. By reducing administrative burdens, hotel staff can focus more on delivering personalized hospitality, which ultimately boosts guest loyalty and repeat business.
Guest Experience at the Core
The modern traveler expects speed, personalization, and convenience. DigitalGuest’s unified platform supports this by ensuring that hotels can interact with guests before, during, and after their stay. From digital welcome messages to seamless check-outs and follow-up offers, the system creates a continuous guest journey.
In today’s competitive market, such engagement is key to standing out. Hotels can use the platform to learn more about guest preferences, tailor services, and deliver experiences that feel unique and memorable.
Setting a New Standard for the Industry
The hospitality industry is rapidly evolving, and digitalization is no longer optional—it’s essential. By consolidating operations into one platform, DigitalGuest is setting a new industry standard for efficiency, profitability, and guest satisfaction.
The merger also aligns with broader global trends in travel, where contactless solutions, mobile integration, and real-time communication are shaping the future of hospitality. With its expanded capabilities, DigitalGuest is well-positioned to lead this transformation.
Looking Ahead
As the newly merged DigitalGuest continues to expand, its focus will be on innovation and growth. The company aims to build on its strong foundation by:
- Expanding to new markets across Europe and beyond.
- Introducing additional features powered by AI and automation.
- Helping hotels adapt to evolving guest expectations in the digital era.
With its strengthened leadership team and broadened reach, DigitalGuest is not only providing tools for today but also preparing hotels for the future of hospitality.
Conclusion
The merger of DigitalGuest and Chicostay represents a pivotal moment for hospitality technology. By combining their strengths, the two companies have created a comprehensive platform that simplifies hotel operations, drives new revenue streams, and elevates the guest experience.
For hotels navigating the complexities of digital transformation, the new DigitalGuest offers more than just a tool—it provides a strategic partnership. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, this merger sets the stage for a more connected, efficient, and guest-focused future.
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